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ID #SA1197367
FOR SALE
£1,450
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"Repentant Demon" — A Masterful Meiji-era Tomochika School Netsuke
Sandbanks Antiques
for sale €1,697     $1,842
£1,450
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques

Sellingantiques Verified Since Jan 2025
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    Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné
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"Repentant Demon" — A Masterful Meiji-era Tomochika School Netsuke

19th century
Description

"Repentant Demon" — A Masterful Meiji-Era Tomochika School Netsuke

This is a superb Meiji Period (1868–1912) Japanese Netsuke, standing 3.5cm tall and 4.5cm wide. Carved from natural bone, the piece depicts the famous folklore subject Oni no Nenbutsu—the "Praying Demon."

In this satirical scene, a once-fearsome Oni (ogre) has humorously "converted" to Buddhism. He is shown as a wandering priest sitting beside a massive Temple Bell (tsurigane), holding a mallet and a subscription ledger. The carving is highly expressive, using a polychrome stain to create deep shadows and bring out the muscular detail of the demon and the heavy texture of the bronze bell.

The Signatures & Engravings

This piece is uniquely detailed, featuring a "triple-threat" of markings that confirm its high-end origin:

The Workshop Mark: Inscribed in red on the side of the ledger is the character (Tomo). This links the piece to the Tomochika School, a legendary lineage of Tokyo carvers famous for their witty, high-detail folklore figures.

The Prestige Seal: On the base is a small red lacquer inlay containing the character (To), meaning "carved." This separate inlay was an "upgrade" used by master workshops to signal superior craftsmanship for the collector market.

The Narrative "Text": The fine, script-like engravings on the front of the ledger represent a donor list. These aren't signatures, but part of the art—they represent the names of people the "demon priest" has supposedly convinced to donate to his temple.

Condition Good

Provenance The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London

Brought Tokyo 1948

Collector’s Note

Because this is carved from bone (evidenced by the natural "pitting" on the base) rather than restricted ivory, it is a highly liquid and desirable asset in the modern global antique market. It combines popular folklore, a famous artist lineage, and a robust 4.5cm sculptural presence.

Physical Dimensions
Height
3.5cm (1.38")
Width
4.5cm (1.77")
Declaration

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Meiji Period Oni Netsuke to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Reference
SA1197367
Description
"Repentant Demon" — A Masterful Meiji-Era Tomochika School Netsuke

This is a superb Meiji Period (1868–1912) Japanese Netsuke, standing 3.5cm tall and 4.5cm wide.

“
Carved from natural bone, the piece depicts the famous folklore subject Oni no Nenbutsu—the "Praying Demon.
Sandbanks Antiques

"

fig 1. A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell.
fig 1. "Repentant Demon" — A Masterful Meiji-era Tomochika School Netsuke

In this satirical scene, a once-fearsome Oni (ogre) has humorously "converted" to Buddhism. He is shown as a wandering priest sitting beside a massive Temple Bell (tsurigane), holding a mallet and a subscription ledger. The carving is highly expressive, using a polychrome stain to create deep shadows and bring out the muscular detail of the demon and the heavy texture of the bronze bell.

fig 2. A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell.
fig 2. "Repentant Demon" — A Masterful Meiji-era Tomochika School Netsuke

The Signatures & Engravings

This piece is uniquely detailed, featuring a "triple-threat" of markings that confirm its high-end origin:

The Workshop Mark: Inscribed in red on the side of the ledger is the character (Tomo). This links the piece to the Tomochika School, a legendary lineage of Tokyo carvers famous for their witty, high-detail folklore figures.

fig 3. A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell.
fig 3. "Repentant Demon" — A Masterful Meiji-era Tomochika School Netsuke

The Prestige Seal: On the base is a small red lacquer inlay containing the character (To), meaning "carved." This separate inlay was an "upgrade" used by master workshops to signal superior craftsmanship for the collector market.

fig 4. A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell.
fig 4. "Repentant Demon" — A Masterful Meiji-era Tomochika School Netsuke

The Narrative "Text": The fine, script-like engravings on the front of the ledger represent a donor list. These aren't signatures, but part of the art—they represent the names of people the "demon priest" has supposedly convinced to donate to his temple.

fig 5. A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell.
fig 5. "Repentant Demon" — A Masterful Meiji-era Tomochika School Netsuke

Condition Good

Provenance The G S. May Esquire Private Collection, London

Brought Tokyo 1948

Collector’s Note

Because this is carved from bone (evidenced by the natural "pitting" on the base) rather than restricted ivory, it is a highly liquid and desirable asset in the modern global antique market. It combines popular folklore, a famous artist lineage, and a robust 4.5cm sculptural presence.

Height
3.5cm (1.38")
Width
4.5cm (1.77")
Date of Manufacture

Sandbanks Antiques has dated this Meiji Period Oni Netsuke to the 19th Century.

Reference Numbers
Sellingantiques Ref
SA1197367
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Sellingantiques verified Since Jan 2025

Specialising in antique silver, gold boxes, gold coins and objects de vertu. Rare fine-quality imperial chinese porcelain, jades, cloisonné

Dealer Profile

You can view the stock and full dealer information on the Sandbanks Antiques Profile Page

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A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell.
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Archive I A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell.

"Repentant Demon" — A Masterful Meiji-Era Tomochika School Netsuke

Archive II A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View II
Archive III A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View III
Archive IV A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View IV
Archive V A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View V
Archive VI A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View VI
Archive VII A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View VII
Archive VIII A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View VIII
Archive IX A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View IX
Archive X A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View X
Archive XI A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View XI
Archive XII A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View XII
Archive XIII A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View XIII
Archive XIV A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View XIV
Archive XV A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell. View XV
Enlarged Archival View
Sandbanks Antiques

Sandbanks Antiques
Telephone 07889 139677
Location
Sandbanks
Poole
Dorset
United Kingdom

By appointment only in Poole or London.
Dealer Profile Page sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified Since Jan 2025
Items For Sale 176
Items Sold 79
Sandbanks Antiques
Sandbanks Antiques
Verified Since Jan 2025
View Dealer Info
Location: Sandbanks, Poole, Dorset, United Kingdom, , By appointment only in Poole or London.
Profile: sellingantiques.co.uk/sandbanks
Verified
Jan 2025
For Sale
176
Sold
79
A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell.
"Repentant Demon" — A Masterful Meiji-Era Tomochika School Netsuke
Ref: SA1197367
A Japanese Meiji-era carved netsuke depicting a seated horned demon holding a wooden striker beside a temple bell.
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FAQs

A netsuke is a small, hand-carved toggle created during the Edo and Meiji periods in Japan. Because traditional kimono lacked pockets, netsuke served a functional purpose by anchoring pouches or inro containers suspended from the obi sash.

Craftsmen during the Meiji era primarily carved netsuke from boxwood, ivory, marine bone, stag antler, and occasionally horn or tagua nut. Dark pigments and inks were often applied to highlighted etched details and textures.

Authentic pieces exhibit himotoshi (two cord holes) or an integrated opening for attachment, natural age wear around high-contact areas, accurate historical iconography, and signatures characteristic of recognized carvers or schools.

Miniature oriental carvings are best displayed inside glass shadow boxes, tabletop display domes, or curated alongside modern art literature on bookshelves and mantlepieces to create visual contrast.

Keep carvings in climate-controlled environments away from direct sunlight, central heating, and high humidity to prevent cracking. Clean strictly using a soft dry brush, avoiding water, harsh chemical cleaners, or restorative polishes.
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